From Rules to Relationship
Cultivating Respect in the Classroom

Respect in the classroom is important to teach children.

Teaching respect in the classroom is so important. Students are expected to show respect and be kind to others, but what if they don't have the know-how. Here is a great resource when teaching respect to children to model what being respectful looks like and sounds like.

"R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Find out what it means to me". Are you channeling your inner Aretha Franklin? Hopefully, you are reading this blog post because you are looking for effective ways to teach respect and to teach your students to show respect for teachers, students, and school.

First things first, why is respect important? Respect is important to give and receive. When respect is shown, there is a sense of trust and safety that is expressed. The feeling of safety and trust is so important when you are working with children and parents. Think back to when you were in school. Who was your favorite teacher? Did he/she show you respect? Did you feel you could trust this teacher? Be this teacher for your students. Teach and model what respect looks like, sounds like, and feels like. I do not recall this happening often when I was in school, but I know it would have made a difference.

Respect in the Classroom Activities

Teaching respect will help students build trust and feel safe. Sounds simple right? Guess what? You have to teach your students what respect looks like, feels like, and sounds like. Take the time to invest in your students in demonstrating ways to show what respect means and how to show respect for teachers. At the beginning of the school year and after students return from holidays, reteach what respect means. I have created activities to help when teaching why is respect important. Check out this resource from my Teachers Pay Teachers Store that is perfect for teaching respect in the classroom.

You must teach students your expectation and how to meet those expectations. When you decide on the rules fit for your classroom, make sure you teach those rules. What should those rules look like, sound like, etc. This same concept should take place for teaching respect in the classroom.

Respect activities that are meaningful for students.

Here's what included in this MUST-HAVE resource:

Poster -

"Treat others the way you want to be treated" available in black and white and color

4 Anchor Charts included

"I Will Show RESPECT" poster - (available in black/white and color option)

"How Can I Be Respectful" questions and answers sheet

RESPECT - coloring sheet (multiple versions available)

As you can see, everything you need to teach respect in the classroom is included in this ready-to-go resource.

Respect Posters for Classroom

Posters are great visuals for students to remind them what respect in the classroom looks like and sounds like. Be sure to add respect posters to the walls of your classroom. These respect posters are filled with lots of respect quotes for kids to read and practice. The posters allow your students to have reminders of how to show and give respect to teachers and each other. Respect posters for classroom to help guide teacher-lead conversations about how to be respectful.

Visual reminders are helpful for everyone, especially children. Respect posters for classroom will help be a constant reminder of your expectations. This will help students successful and meet your behavior expectations. Set students up for success so they can grow up to be respectful members of society.

Respect poster for classroom colorful is a great reminder for students.

Classroom respect poster is essential for every classroom.

Respect poster for classroom are important to have displayed to remind students.

Books About Respect for Kids

Here are a few suggestions of great read aloud options for teaching respect. My students love a good read aloud and I love a good read aloud because it helps deepen their understanding of the skill or content we are discussing. Picture books are great for all ages even upper elementary. As always, make sure the book is age appropriate for the grade level and age of the child. Truthfully, I feel books about respect for kids is important because it allows children to make a connections. What respect looks like, sounds like, feels like, and was respect doesn't sound like, or feels like, or looks like. Children may not be aware the way someone is treating them is disrespectful or even how they are treating someone else is disrespectful. So, find a good book when you are looking for respect in the classroom examples.

Teaching Respect in the Classroom

Teaching respect in the classroom is another tool you must add to your classroom management toolbox. You are teaching your students life skills that will help them grow into productive members of society. Everything you do to strengthen your classroom management skills will reduce stress for you and your students. This of this time as an investment in a successful school year. Take the time to get this part right so you don’t have classroom chaos this school year!

If you have suggestions you would like to share, please add your recommendations in the comments portion near the bottom of this blog post or email me at teachingdunnsimply@gmail.com. I would love to hear suggestions and ideas from other teachers that work for you in your classroom.